- Glasgow Warriors flanker was left out of the 38-man squad by Andy Farrell
- Admits it was a tough pill to swallow after enjoying a strong campaign
- Ready to answer the call should anyone find themselves ruled out of contention
- Will captain Scotland on summer South Pacific tour which begins next weekend
- Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport
Rory Darge admits it felt like a ‘gut punch’ to miss out on selection for the British and Irish Lions.
But the Scotland star insists he will be ready to answer the call if it comes from Andy Farrell over these next few weeks.
Darge narrowly missed out on making Farrell’s 38-man squad for the tour of Australia when it was announced last month.
The head coach has an embarrassment of riches in the back row, arguably the most competitive area in the whole squad.
Darge will instead captain Scotland on their summer tour of the South Pacific, featuring games against the Maori All Blacks, Fiji and Samoa.
With injuries part and parcel of any Lions tour, however, the 25-year-old would only be a phone call away if anyone was to be ruled out.
Flanker Rory Darge admits he was gutted to be left out of the Lions squad this summer
The 25-year-old insists he will be ready to step up if head coach Andy Farrell needs him
Glasgow Warriors team-mates Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu were among eight Scots picked
While that is not necessarily his main focus, the fact he is in the same part of the world as the Lions would do his chances no harm.
‘Before the squad announcement, I wasn’t particularly expecting to be there,’ admitted Darge.
‘Part of that might be you’re protecting yourself a little bit for when you don’t get announced. But I also just think my position is so competitive.
‘Even still, when the names are getting read out and you’re watching it on TV, they are going in alphabetical order and it gets past your name, it does feel like a gut punch.
‘I was obviously delighted for the other boys who did get picked. But it’s a weird mix of emotions. I’ve got a lot on my plate with Scotland at the moment and we’re focusing on trying to get three wins from three.
‘The Lions obviously aren’t my main focus. But, yeah, if the call was to come, I would certainly be ready for it.’
Scotland’s tour begins next weekend against the Maori All Blacks, with Gregor Townsend selecting a strong squad for the three-game series.
Darge’s first ever visit to rugby-mad New Zealand will be enough to focus his mind.
‘I have never been before. It’s cool to experience these places and it’s something I know that, if it wasn’t for rugby, I wouldn’t be able to do,’ he added.
